In 2021, Shinfield St Mary’s Primary School became even greener with the installation of 116 new solar panels on the school’s roof, enabling it to massively increase the amount of sustainable energy generated on square.

The new panels mean the school can now generate up to 43.5kW per hour at peak times, enough to power more than four family homes, while saving around 2.88 tonnes of CO2 since they were installed in August, the equivalent of planting 34 trees. The panels will also help the school cope with spiraling energy costs that are expected to continue this year.

“Schools like Shinfield St Mary’s are hugely important in creating a net zero carbon future for the Borough of Wokingham,” said Cllr Gregor Murray, Executive Member of Resident Services, Communications and Emissions. “They have made massive strides in becoming greener, not only making their property more energy efficient with projects like solar panels and LED lighting, but also making sure their students learn all about the environment and how they can make a difference.

“From initiatives such as their bio dome and tree planting, alongside student-led activities such as biodiversity ponds and recycling, the school really sets an example for others in what which can be achieved. Being able to support them in important projects, like this new solar panel, is something we were very happy to do. »

In addition to installing the new panels, the council also presented the school with a set of educational solar kits aimed at helping students gain hands-on experience in using solar energy to generate electricity. energy.

comments

Matthew Knight, Head of Sustainability and Ecology at the school, said: “Here at Shinfield St Mary’s Junior School, we are constantly striving to make our community more sustainable. Our goal is to teach our children skills that will help them protect the planet throughout their lives and beyond.

“Shinfield St Mary’s has been certified net carbon neutral for the past two years; but we are always looking for ways to improve. Wokingham Borough Council‘s energy team has helped us make incredible progress in reducing our carbon footprint. They worked closely with us to install a new solar panel consisting of 116 solar panels. This had a dramatic effect on our energy consumption. Preliminary research conducted by our students shows that our electrical energy consumption has decreased by more than a third. This is incredible news!

“Apart from the obvious benefits; children also learn first-hand about the benefits of renewable energy. We are very fortunate to have received a display and solar investigation kits from the borough council’s energy team. These tools allow us to give children hands-on experience with these great technologies.